The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites the public to participate in the 2026 Terrapin Tally, a volunteer-supported survey event conducted each spring to learn more about diamondback terrapins. These small, aquatic turtles live near coastal marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks, and are listed in North Carolina as a Species of Special Concern and federally as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
“Diamondback terrapins are a keystone species, critical to the health of the saltmarsh ecosystem, said NCWRC Biologist Sarah Finn. “Studying their populations is difficult due to their habitat characteristics and North Carolina’s expansive estuarine systems. Understanding the population status and trends of terrapins in North Carolina is important to the long-term management of this species, and we can work toward this goal with the help of volunteer community scientists.”
This community science effort is led by NCWRC and supported by several partner organizations including the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, N.C. State Parks, Bald Head Island Conservancy, N.C. Audubon, N.C. Aquarium and National Park Service, with hundreds of volunteer kayakers, who take to the coastal waterways and document terrapins in the southern portion of North Carolina’s coastal area. The data collected has contributed to fisheries management to protect terrapins from drowning in blue-crab pots.
This will be volunteer Amy Long’s eleventh year participating in Terrapin Tally.
“It’s a wonderful way to get out to explore and learn about our local waterways, while also contributing to a long-term citizen science project,” said Long. “Really, who doesn’t want to spot adorable terrapins?!? It’s like an easter egg hunt, and when you have friends doing other days or trails, it’s fun to see who had better luck out on the water.”
Participants supply their own kayaks and mobile phones. A mandatory training session will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center and Saturday, Apil 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Hammocks Beach State Park Visitor Center. Registration is required to participate.
For more information, visit 2026 Terrapin Tally.
